The South African top fruit season is in full swing at Origin Fruit Direct, The Netherlands. According to Randolf Aaldijk the Packham, Rosemarie and Forelle pears are selling well at the moment. "It is striking that not too many overseas pears from Chile and South Africa are on the market. Prices are rather stable and could possibly improve somewhat." The importer mentions that this is because imports were handled carefully. "Traders looked at the large production in Europe and therefore less is coming this way now. Provided quantities remain reasonable I expect the market to remain stable for the time being.
"South Africa send less to Europe because they require fixed prices"
An other reason for the good situation on the market for pears from overseas is, according to him, the fact that South Africa has sent less and less to Europe over the last few years. "South Africa these days focuses more on countries which offer fixed prices. For instance these are Asian countries and the Far East."
"Forelle 6 weeks earlier because of SmartFresh"
Randolf mentions that the season started a few weeks earlier than last year. "At the moment South Africa is experimenting with a SmartFresh treatment. The active ingredient of SmartFresh in fact takes the place of ethylene. "Normally a Forelle, after picking, can be kept in a cell for about 5/6 weeks. Now they are treated with SmartFresh and can be exported immediately. It is an interesting development as the pears will arrive about 6 weeks earlier. There was always a 'gap' between the supplies of Rosemarie and Forelle, but this is no longer so, as they are capable of supplying the one after the other. In this way it is easy to arrange programs with supermarkets. It is a test, but I expect this will develop enormously in the coming years and as a result the season can be extended. The only disadvantage is that the South African Forelle season will be the same as the Chilean."
"Less volumes, better prices"
He expects, that for the time being at least, no large volumes from overseas top fruit will come to Europe. Often arrangements have already been made. There may be some imports, but I expect that they will not be large volumes. For us it is better that less volumes arrives. This gives better prices. It has been regulated better than last year."